Treating arthritis in animals with dietary supplements

ABSTRACT

The invention is a dietary supplement for animals, especially dogs, for treating arthritis and joint discomfort. A biscuit form of the supplement may be in the form of a conventional carrier composition of, for example, typical dog biscuit materials including cereal grains, vegetables or animal meat, fat and by-products. Typically, the biscuit contains about 89-97 weight percent (wt. %) of the conventional carrier composition. Optional vitamins and minerals may also be added to the carrier material, typically in about the 1-5 wt. % range. Importantly, the biscuit of the present invention contains about 3-7 wt. % of an arthritis-treating combination, namely, glucosamine sulfate, vitamin C and an array of intracellular ions namely potassium, sodium and iodine. The glucosamine component is present by weight at approximately the same level as the vitamin C, and at approximately 10 (ten) times the level of the sum of the above-named intracellular ions. The biscuit is formulated so that its composition is approximately: 
     Glucosamine component, 5 mg to 5,000 mg; 
     Vitamin C component, 5 mg to 3,000 mg; 
     Potassium component, 50 mcg to 150 mg; 
     Sodium component, 50 mcg to 150 mg; and 
     Iodine component, 25 mcg to 100 mg. 
     The biscuit is dosed at approximately 10 mg glucosamine component per pound of body weight of the animal per day.

This application claims benefit of Provisional Application Serial No.60/149,779 filed Aug. 18, 1999.

DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to animals and animal nutrition. Morespecifically, this invention relates to treating arthritis and jointdiscomfort in dogs by use of dietary supplements.

2. Related Art

Degenerative joint diseases or arthroses are conditions wheredegenerative changes in cartilage lead to a breakdown in the integrityof the structural matrix of cartilage or tendinous tissues.Conventionally referred to as arthritis, the complaints associated withthe degenerative changes occur most frequently in aged individuals.

Arthritis is much more common in dogs than other domesticated pets.Arthritis is a terrible disease, as it causes pain and restrictsmobility. Any dog can be afflicted with arthritis, although older dogsand larger breeds can be more susceptible. Active dogs, like work orhunting dogs, may also be at greater risk because of their increasedactivity levels.

Arthritis affects primarily the weight bearing joints (hips, knees,etc.) and the joints of the toes. Symptoms include early morningstiffness, stiffness following periods of rest, pain that worsens onjoint use, and loss of joint function.

Arthritis can take one of several forms.

1. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip sockets that allowsexcessive movement in the joint, causing chronic inflammation and thusfurthers breakdown and the deposition of calcium.

2. Dislocation of the kneecap is a malformation of the leg bones suchthat the kneecap is repeatedly pulled out of position, thus slippingback and forth and causing continuous low-grade inflammation. This is acondition seen in small breeds and is related to low-quality food andpoor breeding.

3. Degeneration of the shoulder joint involves the breakdown ofcartilage in this joint, leading to inflammation and pain on movement.This is a condition often seen in medium to large breeds.

4. Arthritis of the elbow is a condition that is caused by improper boneformation and is considered by many in the field to be hereditary. It isgenerally seen in German shepherds. Nutrition, however, may be a moresignificant factor than generally understood.

5. Swelling and pain in the leg joints is a condition seen in young dogs(a few months in age) of the large breeds that is apparently due toinadequate formation of vitamin C and is the result of heredity and poornutrition.

Cartilage provides the cushion and frictionless mobility of joints.Comprised of two key components, collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAG),cartilage is constantly under a process of natural repair andregeneration. Because of overuse, injury or other causes, manyindividuals overwhelm their body's ability to keep up with the naturalprocess of repair. The result is cartilage which becomes increasinglydry and inflexible leading to pain and eventual joint restriction.

The pathogenesis of arthroses is by no means an inevitable phenomenon ofaging, as a healthy joint is capable of functioning for a lifetime. Inmedical science, a differentiation is made between primary and secondaryarthroses. Secondary arthroses develops from known precedent diseases,whereas primary arthroses is not known to develop from any determinablebasic disease. Rather, cases of primary arthroses disease manifest in animbalance between mechanical stress and mechanical resistance of thejoint cartilage.

A predisposition to arthritis can be passed to a dog during its fetaldevelopment. Many of the more common joint health problems can beavoided by providing adequate nutrition for females throughout theirpregnancy. Adequate fetal nutrition can help offset the expression ofgenetics.

For most dogs, age-related concerns of use and overuse are more commonthan genetic factors. If one considers the activity level of most dogs,the wear and tear on their joint tissues can be exceptional. Althoughthe body has natural mechanisms for repairing joint tissues as well ascartilage, age and excessive wear can exceed the pet's repairmechanisms. Once damage exceeds repair, there is often an increase ininflammation and a vicious cycle is set into play, further restrictingrepair.

Although many drugs can be used to treat the symptoms of arthritis, theonly sure-fire way to break the cycle of damage is to support the pet'snatural cartilage repair systems. This can be accomplished bysupplementing the dog with additional nutrition targeted at supportingcartilage repair and joint health.

The conservative treatment measures in the cases of coxarthroses andgonarthroses, and operative measures such as artificial jointprosthesis, are sufficiently known.

Steroids such as corticosteroids, and other anti-inflammatory materialssuch as nonsteroidal anti-immflamatories (NSAIDs) and high doses ofaspirin, are widely used for the treatment of these ailments (Pharmocol.Res. Commun. 10 557-569 (1978) by Vidal et al). While these materialsoften relieve the pain and swelling associated with maladies arisingfrom connective tissue problems, they offer no support for repairprocesses. Furthermore, NSAIDs may also inhibit the body's own naturalhealing processes, leading to further deterioration of the connectivetissue.

The activity of chondrocytes (cartilage cells) is regulated by factorsincluding the level of intracellular ions. Up-regulation ofchondrocytes, in combination with the presence of GAG building blocks,produces repair of cartilage tissues under normal and arthriticconditions.

Bone, or osseous tissue, is a rigid form of connective tissue thatconstitutes most of the skeleton of higher vertebrates. Theintercellular matrix of bone contains an organic component, chieflycollagenous fibers, and an inorganic component that accounts forapproximately two thirds the weight of bone. The inorganic component arethe salts responsible for the hardness and rigidity of the tissue. Thecollagenous fibers contribute greatly to the strength and resiliency ofbone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide agents for thetreatment of arthroses that as much as possible have alleviating andcuring effects on arthroses, while they are well compatible and readilyreceived in the form of a nutritional biscuit.

To that end, a unique therapeutic composition comprising nutritionalelements important to the repair and regeneration of joint andconnective tissues is proposed. Further, a supplemental ratio of ionicnutrients is offered as a mechanism for promoting and supporting the useof aforementioned nutritional elements in cartilage repair andreconstruction. This unique blend of nutritional elements is supplied ina convenient biscuit format.

The most important supplemental nutrient for the treatment of arthritisis glucosamine. Glucosamine is a building block for cartilage itself. Anaturally occurring compound, glucosamine is used to construct one ofthe structural elements of cartilage called glycosaminoglycans.

Supplemental glucosamine can help to reverse the cycle of damage andhelp to support the dog's natural cartilage repair mechanisms. The bestnews about glucosamine is that it not only treats arthritis, but it canalso be used preventively to help support and maintain joint health.This is especially true for large breeds of dogs, hunting or work dogs,and any dog that has a predisposition to joint health problems.

Research on glucosamine is extensive and its use in humans for thetreatment of osteoarthritis speaks not only to its efficacy, but alsoits safety. Dosing for glucosamine may be accomplished by the bodyweight of the dog.

The activity of chondrocytes is regulated by factors including the levelof intracellular ions. Up-regulation of chondrocytes in combination withthe presence of GAG building blocks produces repair of cartilage tissuesunder normal and arthritic conditions.

This invention seeks to introduce a novel and unique composition aimedat providing not only the building blocks of cartilaginous repair, inthe form of glucosamine sulfate, but also nutritional elements designedto increase the activity of cells responsible for carrying out repair,known as chondrocytes.

The invention is a dietary supplement for animals, especially dogs. Thesupplement is for treating arthritis and joint discomfort by means of apreferable tasty and nutritious biscuit. The preferred biscuit of thepresent invention comprises a conventional carrier composition made of,for example, typical dog biscuit materials including cereal grains,vegetables or animal meat, fat and by-products. Typically, the biscuitcomprises about 89-97 weight percent (wt. %) of such a conventionalcarrier composition. Also, optional vitamins and minerals may also beadded to this carrier material, typically in about the 1-5 wt. % range.Also, the biscuit of the present invention comprises about 3-7 wt. % ofan arthritis-treating combination, namely glucosamine sulfate, vitamin Cand an array of intracellular ions, namely potassium, sodium and iodine.The glucosamine component is present by weight at approximately the samelevel as the vitamin C, and at approximately 10 (ten) times the level ofthe sum of the above-named intracellular ions. The biscuit is formulatedso that its composition, dosed according to body weight of the animal tobe treated, is approximately:

Glucosamine component, 5 mg to 5,000 mg;

Vitamin C component, 5 mg to 5,000 mg;

Potassium component, 50 mcg to 150 mg;

Sodium component, 50 mcg to 150 mg; and

Iodine component, 25 mcg to 100 mg.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is a dietary supplement for animals, especially dogs. Thesupplement is for treating arthritis and joint discomfort in dogs. Thesupplement is preferably in the form of a specially-formulated biscuit,designed as a treat for dogs.

The preferred biscuit comprises a conventional carrier material,comprising, for example, cereal grains, vegetables, animal meat, fat andby-products. Blends and mixtures of these materials, as well as otherconventional carrier materials for dog biscuits, may also be used. Ifthe biscuit is being designed for an animal different from the dog, thenthe carrier material may be adjusted to be tasty for the animal. Forexample, for horses the carrier material may be mostly grass or hay.

Typically, the carrier material comprises about 89-97 wt. % of thebiscuit. This wt. % range may be adjusted up or down, depending uponwhether other, optional ingredients are added. For example, conventionalvitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, vitamin E, and calcium may beadded to the biscuit without reducing its efficacy. Typically, thesevitamins and minerals may be added to amount to about 1-5 wt. % of thebiscuit. However, this wt. % range may also be adjusted up or down,depending upon the total number of optional ingredients, and the totalweight of each optional ingredient.

Also, the biscuit comprises about 3-7 wt. % of an arthritis-treatingcombination, namely glucosamine sulfate, vitamin C and an array ofintracellular ions, namely potassium, sodium and iodine.

So, the carrier material and the optional vitamins and minerals of thebiscuit of the present invention may be made from conventional rawmaterials or purchased from conventional sources. Also, the biscuit ofthe present invention may be formulated and manufactured by conventionaltechniques.

Also, the subject dietary supplement may be formulated as a grainy mealwith a component composition similar to the biscuit. Also, the subjectdietary supplement may be formulated as a formed tablet, containingabout 80-85 weight percent of the arthritis-treating combination, withthe balance being binder and/or carrier material. Also, the subjectdietary supplement may be formulated as a powder containing about 100weight percent of the arthritis-treating combination. The powder may befree-flowing, or packaged in digestible gelatin capsules, for example.

The arthritis-treating combination is what makes the present inventionunique. First, a glucosamine sulfate is provided in combination with avitamin C component, in approximately equal amounts within the statedranges. Effective glucosamine components include glucosamine, itsprecursors and derivatives, like glucosamine hydrochloride, for example,other amine sugars, as well as salts and esters of these components, andincluding mixtures thereof. These components are well known in thenutrition industry, and may be made from conventional raw materials orbought from conventional sources.

The vitamin C component is ascorbic acid or ascorbate and/or esterifiedversions thereof, including mixtures thereof. These components are alsowell-known in the nutrition industry, and may be made from conventionalraw materials or bought from conventional resources.

In addition, the biscuit of the present invention comprises an array ofintracellular ions, namely potassium (K⁺), sodium (Na⁺) and iodine(I³⁺). The sum of the amount of these ionic components is typicallyabout one-tenth ({fraction (1/10)}) times the level of the glucosaminecomponent and the level of the vitamin C component. Within the array ofthese ionic components, typically the amount of the potassium isapproximately equal to the amount of the sodium, and the individualamounts of each of these components is about twice the amount of theiodine.

In biscuit compositions wherein an unusually high level (more than twicethe typical conventional background level) of any of thesearthritis-treating components is provided by the carrier material or byadded optional vitamins and minerals, then the composite amounts of thearthritis-treating materials may be adjusted downwardly according. Forweight-percent amounts and calculations herein, the amount of theindividual component, and not its entire compound, or complexed species,is considered.

Analytical methods for determining the amount of components in thecomposition of the present invention are conventional.

Preferred Embodiment and Ingredient Dosages

Glucosamine equivalent dosage for animals: 10 mg per pound of bodyweight

The preferred embodiment of the therapeutic composition is a biscuitproviding 1,000 mg of glucosamine in a six (6) biscuits daily dosage fordogs over 75 pounds and over. For dogs 50 to 75 pounds, five (5)biscuits per day. For dogs 25 to 50 pounds, four (4) biscuits per day,and for dogs under 25 pounds, three (3) biscuits per day.

The additional nutritional ingredients comprising the composition may bedosed according to the following: Vitamin C is present by weight atapproximately the same level as glucosamine, and at approximately 10times the weight of the intracellular ions potassium, sodium and iodine.

EXAMPLES

1. Labrador retriever, age 5 years, body weight approximately 110pounds, presented with mild degenerative changes to hips as reported byowners. Owners complained of reduced vitality and agility for over 1year. Dog given six (6) biscuits daily over course of 3 months withpositive improvements in agility and overall activity level.

2. Golden retriever, age 10 years, body weight approximately 100 pounds,presented with progressive osteoarthritis exemplified by poorhind-quarter movement and flexibility. Owners report big reductions inmobility over last year. Dog given six (6) biscuits daily over period ofsix (6) months with marked improvements in mobility.

3. Miniature poodle, age 9 years, body weight approximately 20 pounds,presented with reported severe restriction in mobility related to ageand apparent arthritis in pet. Dog fed three (3) biscuits per day withpositive changes in under 5 weeks of supplementation.

I claim:
 1. A dietary supplement for animals, comprising: A glucosaminecomponent; A vitamin C component; A potassium component; A sodiumcomponent; and An iodine component, wherein: the supplement is combinedat about 3-7 weight percent in a biscuit; the glucosamine component . .. ; and, the potassium component and the sodium component are . . . theiodine component.
 2. A method of treating arthritis in animals,comprising: dosing the animal with dietary supplement comprising: aglucosamine component; a vitamin C component; a potassium component; asodium component; and an iodine component, wherein the supplement iscombined at about 3-7 weight percent in a biscuit; the glucosaminecomponent and the vitamin C component are present in approximately equalweight amounts, and each of them are present in approximately 10 timesthe total weight amount of the potassium, sodium and iodine components;and, the potassium component and the sodium component are present inapproximately equal weight amounts, and each of them are present inapproximately 2 times the amount of the iodine component atapproximately 10 mg glucosamine component per pound of body weight ofthe animal per day.